Deerfield's Steve Gonot sentenced to year in jail in campaign-related case

July 29, 2011|By Brittany Wallman, Sun Sentinel

Sun Sentinel Staff Writer Paula McMahon reports:

Former Deerfield Beach Commissioner Steve Gonot was sentenced to a year in jail Friday for grand theft, official misconduct and falsifying records.

In May, a jury found Gonot, 54, guilty of stealing $5,135 in election campaign funds. Gonot was jailed until he posts $20,000 bond  likely later tonight or early tomorrow  then will be freed while he appeals.

Prosecutors recommended that Gonot serve four years in prison, the defense asked for probation.

Broward Circuit Judge Barbara McCarthy told Gonot that she believes that jail and prison terms are for people who pose a danger to the community, with one exception  public officials who violate the public trust.

She sentenced Gonot, who did not speak in court, to a year in jail followed by five years of probation. She also ordered him to complete 500 hours of community service and specified that he should work as a guardian ad litem, or advocate, for children and parents who have cases in family court.